Summary
Disability Rights Wisconsin applauds the decision made today by the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) to direct the Town of Thornapple to follow the law. The town must have an accessible voting system so voters with disabilities can vote privately and independently. The decision states that every polling place must have an accessible voting system in the United States.
Read this press release as an accessible PDF here.
For Immediate Release: November 1, 2024
Contact: Lisa Hassenstab, Public Policy Manager, Disability Rights Wisconsin, lisah@drwi.org, (608) 308 – 2639
Disability Rights Wisconsin applauds the decision made today by the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) to direct the Town of Thornapple to adhere to the law. The Town of Thornapple must provide a HAVA-compliant and accessible voting system in all future elections, including the General Election on next Tuesday, November 5th. They must also provide certification about the voting system to the Wisconsin Elections Commission through 2026. The certification must show that an accessible voting system has been publicly tested and will be in use for each of those elections through 2026.
The law is clear: an accessible voting system is required at every polling place in the United States.
All voters, including voters with disabilities, must be able to cast their ballot privately and independently. Voters with disabilities who have questions about the electoral process or their voting rights, or who encounter challenges during the voting process, are encouraged to contact the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline at 844-DIS-VOTE (844-347-8683) or info@disabilityvote.org.
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. As Wisconsin’s recognized Protection and Advocacy Organization, Disability Rights Wisconsin is legislatively mandated to provide services to voters with disabilities and ensure individuals with disabilities can participate in every step of the voting process. More information is available at Disability Rights Wisconsin’s website here.